October’s full moon is special this year as it’s both the Harvest Moon — where the full moon is closest to the autumnal equinox — and the first of the year’s three supermoons.
Stargazers also have a chance to see two meteor showers peak this month but the Orionids — which peak later in the month — may be easier to spot.
Here’s what to know about October’s full moon.
When will we see the Harvest Moon?
The full Harvest Moon will make its appearance on Monday, Oct. 6, and will reach peak illumination at 11:47 p.m. EDT, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
What is a supermoon?
October’s full moon is the first of the year’s three supermoons, which is the largest and brightest full moon of the year because it’s at the closest point to Earth. This October supermoon will drift over the horizon around sunset and the illusion of a larger and brighter orange colored moon will appear because of how close it is to the earth.
Why is it called the Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon provides multiple nights of near-sunset rises and longer periods of light in the evenings, which historically has helped farmers complete their harvests by the fall frosts, the Almanac says.
What else is October’s full moon called?
When it’s not the Harvest Moon, October’s full moon is typically called the Hunter’s Moon because it signals hunting season. It’s also known as the Drying Rice Moon and the Falling Leaves Moon.
Why is October’s Harvest Moon good for hunters?
Some hunters believe because of the Harvest Moon’s later timing, it’ll make for a better white-tailed deer hunting season.
Hornell Evening Tribune outdoors columnist Oak Duke says changing light affects deer in many ways, from hormonal changes to physical changes. The bright light from the Harvest Moon at the beginning of October will stimulate melatonin flow, which keeps the deer from breeding, before shortening days and increasing darkness leads to dissipating melatonin levels and the start of the breeding season — or the Whitetail Rut.
The best time to hunt whitetail is right around and during the rut because their activity increases, according to outdoor recreation retailer Field and Stream.
“Whitetails will have their biological clocks set by this amazing Harvest Moon and the equinox,” Duke says. “And one month later, the annual whitetail rut peaks during the first and second week of November this year.”
When will the Harvest Moon rise in the Rochester area?
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, moonrise for the Rochester area will happen by roughly 6:21 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, and will set at 6:29 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7.
When will the Harvest Moon rise in the Westchester area?
Moonrise for the White Plains area will happen by roughly 6:07 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, and will set at 6:12 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Old Farmer’s Almanac says.
What does Monday’s weather forecast look like?
Viewing conditions may be better in the White Plains area Monday night as the National Weather Service’s forecast calls for mostly clear skies. Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the Harvest Moon in the Rochester area are still in luck, though, as partly cloudy skies are in the forecast for Monday night.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon is the Beaver Moon, which will occur Wednesday, Nov. 5, and is also the second supermoon of the year. Moonrise in the Rochester area is roughly 4:42 p.m. and around 4:33 p.m. in the Westchester area.
What other celestial events are happening in October?
A few additional celestial events are taking place this month. Here’s when you should take a look at the night sky to try and catch a glimpse, according to NASA:
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: October’s Harvest Moon will be a supermoon. Here’s when to see it
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
